Deuteronomy 12: Lessons for Spirit-Led Worship

Worship the Lord with all your heart and soul1

Introduction: Chapter 12 begins a 24-chapter discussion of different specific laws of the Torah. The specific laws were meant to help interpret the Ten Commandments. Because the First Commandment and the Second Commandment both pertain to worship, Moses begins his discussion of the specific laws with rules to govern how and where to practice your worship. Throughout the book, Moses repeatedly stresses the importance of obedience. Yet, Moses reveals that obedience alone is not enough to be in God’s presence. There must also be faith and worship. We study the details of the sacrifices for worship because every believer is to make “spiritual sacrifices” to Christ: “you also . . . are . . . to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.” (1 Pet. 2:5). Moses gives seven principles for Spirit-led worship. In each principle, you can find a “spiritual sacrifice” to offer to Christ. First, true worship requires that you avoid compromising with the world. Moses repeats a claim that he made in chapter seven that the Jews needed to “smash” the idols around them. If the Jews allowed false idols to remain, their worship would be corrupted. This also violates the First and Second Commandments. Today, believers cannot smash evil business enterprises around them. Yet, they can exert their power through prayer, righteous living, and the ballot box. Second, true worship requires that you avoid compromising God’s Word. Third, true worship requires that you respect the places where God’s Spirit is present. This is any gathering of two or more in God’s name. Fourth, true worship requires that you keep your life in communion with Christ. Fifth, true worship requires that you seek fellowship with God. Sixth, true worship requires that you not be ensnared by the idols of the flesh. When you pursue after the idols of the flesh, you place yourself in communion with demons. Finally, true worship requires that you not add or take away from God’s Word.

1. Spirit-Led Worship Does not Compromise with the World. Dt. 12:1-3.

Let your worship be evidenced through your Spirit-led obedience2

2. Spirit-Led Worship Does Not Compromise the Word of God. Dt. 12:4-9.

3. Spirit-Led Worship Respects the Places of Worship Where the Spirit Resides. Dt. 12:10-14.

4. Spirit-Led Worship Seeks Out Communion with Christ. Dt. 12:15-16, 23-25.

Honor Jesus’ sacrifice for you at the cross3

5. Spirit-Led Worship Seeks the Peace and Fellowship that Christ Offers. Dt. 12:17-22, 26-27.

6. Spirit-Led Worship Avoids the False Idols of the Flesh. Dt. 12:28-31.

7. Spirit-Led Worship Does Not Add to or Take Away from God’s Word. Dt. 12:32.